Emanuel Congregation

09/07/2026

Worship, with everyone in mind. ❤️

We’re pleased to offer live captioning during Emanuel’s High Holy Day services this year as part of our ongoing commitment to making worship welcoming and accessible to all.

Live captioning provides a real-time written display of what’s being spoken during the service. A designated captioning seating area will be available for the best view, and our staff will be happy to help you find it when you arrive.

As this is our first year offering live captioning, we’re also learning alongside the technology—and that may occasionally include a transcription hiccup or two (especially when Hebrew enters the conversation! 😊).

We’re grateful for your patience as we take this step toward making our High Holy Day services more accessible to everyone.

L’shanah tovah!

09/04/2026

Shabbat Shalom! 🌿

This week we read Parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilech — “You Stand” and “He Went.”

Moses gathers the entire community before God: leaders and elders, women and children, those born into the community and the stranger among them. Everyone is included. Everyone is part of the covenant.

As Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi reflects, Nitzavim offers a remarkable vision of the Jewish people standing together across generations — past, present, and future — renewing our commitment to one another and to our covenant.

As Moses prepares to step aside and Joshua prepares to lead, the Torah also reminds us that what is asked of us is not beyond our reach. Torah is not “in the heavens” — it is close to us, in our hearts and in our hands.

As we approach the High Holy Days, may we find the courage to turn toward one another, renew what matters, and take the next step together.

Shabbat Shalom from Emanuel Congregation! 💙

08/31/2026

The High Holy Days are coming. And our preparation begins this Saturday.

This Saturday evening, we gather for Leil Selichot—a beautiful moment of transition as we begin turning our hearts toward the High Holy Days.

Selichot means “forgiveness,” and the prayers of this evening invite us to begin the work that will carry us through the days ahead: reflecting on the year behind us, considering where we have fallen short, offering forgiveness, seeking forgiveness from others, and imagining who we want to become in the year ahead.

In Reform Judaism, this season isn't about simply declaring ourselves “good” or “bad.” It is an opportunity for honest reflection, meaningful change, and renewal.

Before Rosh Hashanah arrives, we pause.

We ask:
What do I want to leave behind?
What relationships need tending?
Where can I do better?
What kind of person—and what kind of community—do I want to help create in the year ahead?

Leil Selichot is our invitation to begin.

May this season of reflection open our hearts, deepen our connections, and prepare us for a year of renewal.

Shanah tovah—may the year ahead bring sweetness, courage, and the possibility of beginning again.

🕯️ Leil Selichot • This Saturday

08/28/2026

Shabbat Shalom! 🌿

This week we read Parashat Ki Tavo, which begins with a powerful ritual of gratitude: bringing the first fruits of the harvest and remembering where our blessings come from.

But the Torah’s message doesn’t stop with gratitude. Ki Tavo reminds us that what we have is not ours alone. Our abundance carries a responsibility to others—to the stranger, the vulnerable, and those who may not have enough.

As we approach the High Holy Days, this feels especially timely. We are invited to pause, recognize the blessings in our lives, and ask: How can we turn gratitude into action? How can what we have help nourish our community and our world?

May this Shabbat give us time to appreciate what we have, reconnect with one another, and consider how we can share our blessings with others.

Shabbat Shalom!

08/21/2026

Shabbat Shalom! ✨

This Shabbat we read Parashat Ki Teitzei (כִּי־תֵצֵא) — “When You Go Out.”

"When you go out..." — Deuteronomy 21:10

This week’s Torah portion contains more individual commandments than any other portion in the Torah. These teachings address many aspects of daily life — from caring for others and returning what is lost, to creating safe communities and treating people with dignity and respect.

Parashat Ki Teitzei reminds us that Jewish tradition has long asked us to consider how our choices affect one another. The laws found in this portion reflect an ancient community working to create order, responsibility, and compassion — and they invite each generation to continue the sacred work of interpreting Torah’s wisdom for our own time.

As we move through the month of Elul, our season of reflection and preparation for the High Holy Days, we are reminded that growth begins with asking important questions: How do we care for those around us? How do we act with greater kindness and integrity? How can we help build a more just and compassionate world?

May this Shabbat bring moments of reflection, connection, and renewal.

Shabbat Shalom from Emanuel Congregation! 🌿

📖 Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 21:10–25:19
📖 Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1–10

08/19/2026

08/17/2026

📚✨ A New Chapter Begins at JLaB!

We’re opening the doors to a new year of learning, connection, community, and Jewish joy at JLaB — Emanuel Congregation’s Jewish Sunday School!

Join us for our JLaB Open House on Sunday, August 30, from 11:00 AM–12:30 PM and come see what’s in store for the year ahead. Meet our educators, connect with other families, explore our programs, and get a feel for the warm and welcoming JLaB community.

Whether you’re already part of JLaB or just curious about what we’re all about, we’d love to meet you!

📅 Sunday, August 30
⏰ 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
📍 Emanuel Congregation

Come open the book with us and start a new chapter! 💙📖

08/14/2026

Shabbat Shalom! ✨

This Shabbat we read Parashat Shoftim (שׁוֹפְטִים) — “Judges.”

"You shall appoint magistrates and officials for your tribes... and they shall govern the people with due justice." — Deuteronomy 16:18

In this week’s Torah portion, Moses reminds the Israelites that a just community requires thoughtful leadership, accountability, and a commitment to doing what is right.

Parashat Shoftim explores the responsibilities of judges, leaders, and those who hold positions of authority. At its heart is a powerful reminder that justice is not something that happens on its own — it requires people who are willing to uphold fairness, speak truth, and act with integrity.

As we approach the month of Elul, a time in the Jewish calendar dedicated to reflection and preparation for the High Holy Days, Shoftim offers us an opportunity to consider our own roles as members of a community. How do we contribute to a world that is more compassionate? How do we use our voices and our actions to create greater justice?

May this Shabbat inspire reflection, renewal, and a deeper commitment to building communities rooted in kindness and fairness.

Shabbat Shalom from Emanuel Congregation! 🌿

📖 Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9
📖 Haftarah: Isaiah 51:12–52:12

08/13/2026

🎤 Karaok-Emanuel Returns!
Join us on Saturday, August 22 for our 3rd Annual Karaok-Emanuel—an evening of music, community, and unforgettable performances! Whether you're ready to grab the mic or prefer to cheer on friends from the audience, everyone is invited.

Hosted by Liz Cohen & Ted Yusen, this 21+ event promises a fun night of singing, laughter, and great company.

Advance Tickets: $18
At the Door: $25

Your ticket includes one complimentary drink ticket, and we'll have adult beverages and snacks available throughout the evening.

https://emanuelcong.easyshul.com/events/6a62165ebf019f0026bcc578

08/10/2026

August Share Shabbat: A Taste of Japan
Friday, August 14th at 6pm

Join us this August as Share Shabbat returns to the comforting, vibrant flavors of Japanese home cooking. Build your own delicious Japanese BBQ bowl, featuring grilled carrots, crisp cucumber, daikon radish, edamame, and a flavorful shoyu mayo dressing. Choose from perfectly grilled BBQ skirt steak, fresh grilled salmon, or savory grilled tofu, then complete your meal with a refreshing side of Asazuke—traditional lightly pickled vegetables. Inspired by last year's popular menu, we've made a few thoughtful updates, including replacing the lettuce with additional fresh vegetables, so you can enjoy every bite with confidence. It's a colorful, satisfying meal that's sure to bring everyone together around the table.

https://emanuelcong.easyshul.com/events/6a6358102512eb0026d4d327